their structural features enable their functional performance.
Friction control
The combination of ester functional groups and alkoxy segments creates low intermolecular shear resistance.
In elastohydrodynamic (EHD) and mixed lubrication regimes, molecular mobility is essential. The flexible alkoxy chains reduce resistance to molecular sliding under high pressure.
In hydraulic systems this reduces internal friction leading to improved mechanical efficiency and lower power consumption.
High VI
The flexible branched alkoxy segments provide controlled free-volume expansion with temperature, resulting in a naturally high viscosity index.
High-VI base oils do not require VII polymers, which are susceptible to shear degradation in high-pressure pumps.
As a result, stable viscosity under load and temperature fluctuations can yield better pump efficiency and reduced energy loss.
Polarity-balanced Structure for elastomer compatibility and wear protection Alkoxylation allows molecular design engineers to dial in a precise polarity balance by introducing ether segments alongside the ester groups providing good elastomer compatibility.
Balanced polarity and their oxygen-rich structures, strengthens adsorption to metal surfaces, improving boundary lubrication and forming a resilient lubrication film even under low-speed or high-load conditions.
Built-in detergency Ester functional groups and polar ether segments give naturally higher solvency power compared to non-polar base oils.
This intrinsic solvency can dissolve polar oxidation by-products that can deposit on valve surfaces and reservoirs.
Their ability to keep surfaces clean can minimise varnish, sludge buildup, and sticking of servo valves.
Summary
Independent third-party testing at MSOE confirmed that a hydraulic fluid formulated with novel SPE® technology delivers quantifiable improvements in efficiency. By reducing torque and flow losses, hydraulic equipment can transmit more power to the tool while requiring less power at the pump improving total energy utilisation across the hydraulic circuit. This efficiency translates into greater work output per unit of input energy, enabling operators to move more material with less fuel or power consumption. These advantages can drive a measurable reduction in total cost of ownership, achieved through improved machine productivity, extended service life, and lower overall energy consumption.
VBASE®
technology offers new solutions to design- ing the next generation of hydraulic fluid formulations where OEMs demand both higher performance and efficiency, along with environmental responsibility.
SPE®
References [1] M. Greaves, J. DiMaio, M. DiMaio, Z. Hunt, B. Bergmann, Exploring the functionality of SPE® Base oils, Lube Magazine, No. 183, Oct. 2024.
[2] Totten G.E., Handbook of Hydraulic Fluid Technology, Marcel Decker New York 2000.
[3] Alibert, M., & Schimmel, T. (2012). Importance of Viscosity for Hydraulic Fluid Efficiency, Proceedings of the 8th International Fluid Power Conference (IFK 2012), Dresden.
vbaseoil.com
Biobased and biodegradable By choosing oleochemical feedstocks in the esterification process, their renewable carbon content is high and typically greater than 50%.
Ester linkages within their structure are biodegradable through enzymatic and hydrolytic pathways, allowing the fluid to break down naturally in the environment.
These features create environmentally responsible hydraulic fluids meeting modern sustainability and regulatory demands.
The practical implication is cleaner equipment, lower maintenance, and improved long-term component performance.
LUBE MAGAZINE NO.191 FEBRUARY 2026
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